Influences- Sally Mann

"Night-blooming Cereus", 1988, Gelatin silver print, 19-3/4 x 23-5/8 in.

"The Last Time Emmett Modeled Nude", 1987, Gelatin silver print, 19-3/4 x 23-5/8 in.
"Emmett, Jessie, and Virginia", 1989, Gelatin silver print, 19-3/4 x 23-5/8 in.
"Jessie at Five", 1987, Gelatin silver print, 19-3/4 x 23-5/8 in.
"Holding Virginia", Gelatin silver print, 19-3/4 x 23-5/8 in.

Sally Mann is one of my favorite photographers because of the overall look of her images, the subtle developing techniques and because of her ability to take pictures that both shock and intrigue. A majority of her images are of the members of her family, in fact most of these come from a book she compiled called "Immediate Family". I am amazed at how she can take such loving caring pictures of her family members in such vulnerable and interesting positions and situations.
The reason that I picked Sally Mann as an inspiration of mine is because she takes pictures how i wish to one day! She is not afraid to take pictures of people when they may not appriciate it or when they are having a personal moment to themselves. It is hard for me as an artist to get in someones face with a camera even if they are quite willing to be photographed. I hope to be able to take from her photographs some courage and curiosity to help me in my own life.
Another reason for picking Sally Mann is because of her bold and sometimes obvious choices during the printing process of her images. She uses techniques such as dodging and burning to make the subject of the picture stand out and grab your attention immediately. Her choices when printing can be very obvious but there is a grace to them that makes you look past the exaggerated situation and simply see the beauty in what is right in front of you.